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Review: Alpha Paul Newman Daytona Homage
I recently picked up the Alpha Paul Newman Daytona homage for around €80 in a used condition. Normally its around 150-200€.
I had been researching Paul Newman homages for a while, specifically looking for one with a silver bezel, and after weighing my options, I concluded that the Alpha homage offers the best quality and most faithful representation of the Paul Newman Daytona at this price point. Honorable mention that I also took a look at would be Vakut Rigas, Steel flier and Steinhart.
The watch has a 39mm stainless steel case—a size that stays true to the original Daytona’s vintage proportions, making it suitable for a range of wrist sizes. The watch is powered by the Seagull ST-19 hand-wound mechanical movement, which is a well-regarded Chinese-made movement based on the Swiss Venus 175 caliber. This movement not only provides a reliable chronograph function but also offers an enjoyable experience of winding the watch each morning. Seeing the movement at work is a pleasure in itself and adds to the overall charm of owning a mechanical homage.
One tip for anyone interested in this model: make sure to go for one of the newer versions with an ivory dial, as the older models are known for lacking longevity. The ivory dial model I bought is from 2022, and it’s been running smoothly without any issues. The vintage aesthetic is further enhanced by the acrylic crystal, which, while more prone to scratches, can be easily polished and gives the watch an authentic retro feel. The silver bezel is well-executed and closely resembles the original, adding to the appeal of this homage.
For the price, the Alpha homage captures the vintage aesthetic of the Paul Newman Daytona beautifully. It’s a solid choice for those who appreciate the timeless style of the original but aren’t looking to spend a fortune.
Comparison with the Pagani Design Paul Newman Daytona
The Pagani Design Paul Newman Daytona homage takes a more modern approach to the iconic design, making it a good option for those who appreciate a contemporary interpretation. With a slightly larger case size of 40mm, the Pagani has a more substantial wrist presence, which may appeal to those who prefer a slightly bolder look.
One unique feature of the Pagani is its beige accents on the hands and sub-dials, which set it apart from most Paul Newman homages and give it a distinctive touch. However, the Pagani is powered by a quartz movement, specifically the Seiko VK63 meca-quartz. While the VK63 offers the benefit of accuracy and low maintenance, it lacks the charm of a fully mechanical movement like the Alpha’s. For those who value the vintage experience, the quartz movement might feel less satisfying. But still, for those who are looking for a modern classic look, the Pagani Design is a good modern Interpretation of Paul Newmans Daytona
For fans of true vintage aesthetics, I’d particularly recommend the Alpha. Its hand-wound mechanical movement and silver bezel are closer to the spirit of the original Paul Newman Daytona. The Alpha’s 39mm case, acrylic crystal, and vintage styling make it a better option for those looking for an old-school feel.
Alternatively, if you’re open to customization, the Pagani can be fitted into an Omega Speedmaster case, creating a blend of vintage and modern styles. This combination amusingly resembles the Speedmaster Schumacher Edition 3559.32.00, offering a unique mix of heritage and contemporary appeal. The versatility of the Pagani makes it an interesting choice for those who like to experiment with their watches.
I recently picked up the Alpha Paul Newman Daytona homage for around €80 in a used condition. Normally its around 150-200€.
I had been researching Paul Newman homages for a while, specifically looking for one with a silver bezel, and after weighing my options, I concluded that the Alpha homage offers the best quality and most faithful representation of the Paul Newman Daytona at this price point. Honorable mention that I also took a look at would be Vakut Rigas, Steel flier and Steinhart.
The watch has a 39mm stainless steel case—a size that stays true to the original Daytona’s vintage proportions, making it suitable for a range of wrist sizes. The watch is powered by the Seagull ST-19 hand-wound mechanical movement, which is a well-regarded Chinese-made movement based on the Swiss Venus 175 caliber. This movement not only provides a reliable chronograph function but also offers an enjoyable experience of winding the watch each morning. Seeing the movement at work is a pleasure in itself and adds to the overall charm of owning a mechanical homage.
One tip for anyone interested in this model: make sure to go for one of the newer versions with an ivory dial, as the older models are known for lacking longevity. The ivory dial model I bought is from 2022, and it’s been running smoothly without any issues. The vintage aesthetic is further enhanced by the acrylic crystal, which, while more prone to scratches, can be easily polished and gives the watch an authentic retro feel. The silver bezel is well-executed and closely resembles the original, adding to the appeal of this homage.
For the price, the Alpha homage captures the vintage aesthetic of the Paul Newman Daytona beautifully. It’s a solid choice for those who appreciate the timeless style of the original but aren’t looking to spend a fortune.
Comparison with the Pagani Design Paul Newman Daytona
The Pagani Design Paul Newman Daytona homage takes a more modern approach to the iconic design, making it a good option for those who appreciate a contemporary interpretation. With a slightly larger case size of 40mm, the Pagani has a more substantial wrist presence, which may appeal to those who prefer a slightly bolder look.
One unique feature of the Pagani is its beige accents on the hands and sub-dials, which set it apart from most Paul Newman homages and give it a distinctive touch. However, the Pagani is powered by a quartz movement, specifically the Seiko VK63 meca-quartz. While the VK63 offers the benefit of accuracy and low maintenance, it lacks the charm of a fully mechanical movement like the Alpha’s. For those who value the vintage experience, the quartz movement might feel less satisfying. But still, for those who are looking for a modern classic look, the Pagani Design is a good modern Interpretation of Paul Newmans Daytona
For fans of true vintage aesthetics, I’d particularly recommend the Alpha. Its hand-wound mechanical movement and silver bezel are closer to the spirit of the original Paul Newman Daytona. The Alpha’s 39mm case, acrylic crystal, and vintage styling make it a better option for those looking for an old-school feel.
Alternatively, if you’re open to customization, the Pagani can be fitted into an Omega Speedmaster case, creating a blend of vintage and modern styles. This combination amusingly resembles the Speedmaster Schumacher Edition 3559.32.00, offering a unique mix of heritage and contemporary appeal. The versatility of the Pagani makes it an interesting choice for those who like to experiment with their watches.